It's a mistake to think we listen only with our ears.
It's much more important to listen with the mind, the eyes, the body, and the heart.
Unless you truly want to understand the other person, you'll never be able to listen."
Mark Herndon

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Clark woke up groggily looking over at the clock to find it was almost 7:45 AM. He was surprised to find it so late since the room was still dark until he noticed the heavy curtains blocking the light from the windows. Carefully so as not to wake Lois, who was still sound asleep beside him, he twisted slightly raising up to rest on one elbow while he listened momentarily to the sounds in the house. He heard the faint rustling of the morning paper downstairs in the kitchen as he realized the only ones awake in the house were his mom and Ben. It was not so unusual for Kala to sleep in but Jason was another story. He was a little alarm clock morning after morning announcing the sun rise as dependable as any rooster. Focusing on Jason's room he wasn't surprised to find similar drapes covering the windows in his room explaining why he had not been tapping at the door to go flying already.

Clark smiled down at Lois as he focused on her heartbeat then the baby's thinking, You are spending way too much time with my mom learning too many of her tricks to control me. He remembered another morning when she had blocked out the sun to keep him from waking earlyAs he watched her sleep he couldn't resist putting his hand on her stomach and thinking of the new life, Elina Lauren who was fast developing. Then frowning he pulled himself back to reality realizing he had to protect all of these precious lives from the mayhem that was Luthor.

Rising from the bed he went directly to the window and opened the curtains to allow the bright morning light into the room. As he entered the bathroom he laughed at his suit piled up on the floor still smelling of sea water and fish. His mind flashed back to the shower surprise that had distracted him from taking proper care to wash it after his shower which was his normal custom. He quickly washed it in the sink drying it with his heat vision in seconds reminding himself he needed to make a couple spare suits very soon.

He quickly put the suit on and then a pair of worn jeans and a dark t-shirt. He bent down over the bed and to kiss Lois before leaving the room. His breath caught at the sight of her snuggling up to his pillow. He lightly stroked her forehead to brush the hair out of her eyes leaving his hand there in a soft caress as he lightly kissed her lips.

Lois woke to his light touches and immediately reached up grabbing his arm to pull him back down for a full kiss. "Don't think you're getting away that easy. Where do you think you're going anyway?" Wide awake she looked over at the clock noting it was just before 8 AM. Satisfied he had had at least 3 hours sleep she reluctantly let go of him.

"I need to get back on Luthor's trail and see if there's any news of him since yesterday. I want to talk with the officers that were at the scene and I really need to talk to Cat. Maybe Luthor said something I can use while he had her captive. Our family, our friends," he shook his head in exasperation and sighed, "heck, nobody's safe as long as he's out there."

"I agree, just let me get dressed and we can get started. Cat is at Richard and Chloe's house so that should be our first stop. They called me late yesterday after leaving the hospital saying she was going to stay with them for at least the time being. Perry is insistent none of us be alone. He even brought me home yesterday and Jimmy is staying at his house till Luthor is caught."

Clark knew there was no use trying to dissuade her from participating in the search, so he didn't even bother trying. "Good I'm glad everyone is taking this serious. I'll be downstairs. By the way, I don't like the new curtains were they your idea or mom's?"

"Both, someone has to take care of you since you're to busy to bother while trying to take care of the entire known world."

Clark left the room and entered Jason's room opening up the curtains allowing the sunlight to come streaming in. He smiled over at the small form breaking out into a full laugh as he saw the Mr. Incredible pajamas. Just as he entered the hallway Kala came out of her room in Barbie pajamas and a pink robe rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Seeing Clark she ran and jumped into his arms.

"Daddy you're home. I really missed you yesterday. Mom let us stay up late hoping you would get home but you never did. Was it hard to help all those people in the earthquake?"

"Yes it was difficult… in many ways. I'm sorry I was away for so long. Maybe we can find the time to do something as a family this weekend. I have something in mind for tomorrow that would be a lot of fun for all of us but it's a surprise so you'll have to be patient."

Just as Clark started to go down the stairs with Kala still in his arms, her arms wrapped firmly around his neck possessively Jason came to his doorway pouting. "How come I didn't wake up? Does this mean we don't get to go flying this morning?"

"Put your suit on, we can go take care of the animals at the farm. Would you like to join us Kala?"

"Can I, Really?"

"Of course you can. Now that Jason can fly I can carry you easily. We don't have a lot of time this morning thought. There are other things that need my attention. Setting Kala back down at the top of the stairs he continued. "Hurry, put on something warm, I'll let grandma and Ben know what we're doing so they'll know not to make breakfast for us."

Clark entered the kitchen quickly scanning the front page of the newspaper finding nothing of use he looked up at his mom who was looking at him questioningly. Just as he was about to speak Lois appeared beside him dressed in jeans and a sweater with a denim jacket draped across her arm. "Hmmm, you look very nice. I'm going to take the kids to the farm to do the chores then we'll be right back. You will wait for me right?"

"Don't worry Dear" she winked, "I won't leave home without you or my American Express. Just don't be long. I'll start checking out some sources while you're gone." Lois kissed his cheek and draped her jacket over one of the chairs.

"I'll start getting some breakfast ready. Say, twenty minutes?" Martha interjected.

"Mom, we didn't bring you here to wait on us. We can just eat cereal when we get back. No need for you to go to all that trouble."

"Oh hush, you know I love to cook for all of you."

Jason and Kala came running into the room. "Just wait till you see me fly Kala. I can fly just like Daddy now."

"Not just like Daddy. Nuh-uh!"

"A-huh, just like Daddy, you just wait 'n see. Huh Daddy? Just like you."

Clark raised his hands, shaking his head at the two kids. "It depends on what you're referring to, but yes petty much just like me. You two ready?" They both shook their heads in excitement. Then to everyone else, "We'll be back shortly".

Clark instantly changed to Superman and taking Kala in his arms wrapped her in his cape carefully leaving her head unwrapped so she could see. The three were out the door and in the air almost faster than Lois could follow. She heard Kala's excited squealing as they took off from the back porch.

Lois stood at the door for several seconds wishing she was with them but realizing that Clark was making sure Kala didn't feel left out. Jason was getting a lot of attention with flying lessons almost every morning. It was good the three of them could have the time alone together, but still….it would have been nice to be there with them, really seeing her little boy fly. Her turn next, she thought.

She couldn't help but wish she could see what they did up there when it was just the two of them, father and son. She closed her eyes and in her mind saw them playing tag or follow the leader in the air, chasing after one another at breakneck speeds. Sighing, she finally backed away from the door and retrieved her laptop bringing it into the kitchen so she could talk with Ben and Martha while she did some quick research.

As always Superman led Jason up for a quick sunning first, making sure Kala was safely in his shadow they floated for a minute or two before he spoke. "Do you think you know the way to the farm Jason?" Jason nodded elated at the chance to show off in front of Kala. "Then you first, we'll follow."

Jason streaked away with Superman close behind. He soared up and down even did a few barrow rolls, corkscrews and such relishing his newly learned skills, not realizing the 'tricks' would one day serve him well in maneuvers if he chose to follow in his father's footsteps. Superman was mindful of Kala in his arms and held back from the tricks not wanting to scare her so he took it much easier till she spoke up. "Daddy faster, oh… do what Jason did. I'm not afraid!"

"Alright, but tell me to stop if you get scared." Soon he was following in Jason's wake following his every move. Then he passed Jason and showed him a few new moves just before they arrived at the farm. Superman laughed wondering if Jason knew he took a round about way to the farm almost doubling the distance before he had taken over the lead. He fully expected he did.

Kala immediately hugged Jason once she had been set down in front of the farm house. "You can fly just like Daddy. Then she screamed to both her dad and Jason, "that was the best roller coaster ride ever!"

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Lois' cell phone rang, knowing immediately from the ring tone it was Richard she quickly grabbed the phone just as Clark and the kids entered the kitchen all three full of excitement. She pulled her attention away from the commotion to answer. "Richard, what is it?"

"Un, morning Lois. Cat is sitting here with us and she wants to speak with Superman. I told her you might be able to contact him."

"Oh, right. I'll do my best. I'm sure Superman must be back from Indonesia by now and would like to speak to her as well. I'll do my best to contact him and let him know where she is. I'm just about to have breakfast with Martha, Ben and the kids then I'll be over there myself."

"Good hope you can reach him, see you in a few minutes, give Jason and Kala a kiss for me." Richard closed his phone and noticed an ironical look on Cat's face. He dismissed it as she looked away towards the bay.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Clark nodded to Lois having heard and understood the conversation between laughing with the kids.

Martha placed a plate of steaming pancakes on the table along with warmed real maple syrup. "I decided on some nice buckwheat pancakes since I had plenty of time and after all it is Saturday. Here everybody just dig in." She soon added a plate of bacon and sausage to the mix. The kids continued on and on about the joys of flying with Daddy. Kala gushed clearly proud of her little brother's new abilities.

"You know mom, you are totally spoiling us. How am I ever going to take you and Ben back to the farm after all of this? I must say though, I really enjoy having us all under one roof and this house is much bigger than the farm."

"This is nice but Ben and I can't stay here forever and intrude on your family. As soon as that devil incarnate, Luthor is captured, we will want to go back home."

Lois put her hand over Martha's, "Mom…you are in no way intruding here. Why, look at all the time we've spent at the farm. Clark is right, it is nice having us all under one roof and I would add, here or there it doesn't matter. It's just nice to all be together."

As soon as the adults finished breakfast Clark excused himself and switched back to Superman. Martha got up and grabbed his arm. "Are you sure you're up to all of this activity. It hasn't even been a week since we almost lost you."

Clark hugged her close, kissing her cheek before pulling away. "Mom I'm fine, really. I promise I won't do anything stupid that would compromise my health especially while my family is in danger."

He quickly kissed the two kids who were still eating since they had spent most of the meal playing with their food while continuing to tell every little nuance of their morning flight with Daddy. "I'll see you over there Lois. It wouldn't be good for us to arrive together."

Seconds later Superman was knocking on Richard and Chloe's front door. Chloe ushered him into the living room where Richard and Cat sat with coffee cups in their hands. "Uh, can I get you anything to eat or drink Superman?"

"No thank you, I don't have a lot of time I would just like to speak with Miss. Grant if you don't mind. You and Richard may stay if you wish."

"Please call me Catherine, I no longer want to be known as Cat and Miss. Grant is much too formal."

"Catherine then, is there anything you remember about what happened yesterday that could help me find Luthor?"

"Not really he did a lot of boasting and berating his goons. I think he's angry with them for not showing up on time. He kept pacing the floor then left the room to make a call just before you arrived. I heard him say something earlier about divers attempting to retrieve something from the Gertrude. Does that make any sense?"

"Yes it does. The Gertrude is the ship that he launched New Krypton from. Lois, Jason and I would have died aboard her if Superman hadn't rescued us just in time after she split in two and sank."

"Maybe there was some kryptonite left aboard that ship. I'm sure he must be in search of some since he's already going after me. Do you remember anything else?"

"I was hoping to speak with you alone, in private that is." She looked over at Richard and Chloe fidgeting slightly which was uncharacteristic for her. Superman watched her closely. Somehow she seemed quite different from the 'Cat' he had known.

Richard and Chloe got up, "We'll just be in the other room."

"He really hates you you know. He blames you for everything that has ever gone wrong in his entire life. He's totally psychotic. He actually thought I would be honored to be his new moll. Can you even imagine that? I guess it's my own fault thought. I did kinda project that flakey party girl image." Superman just frowned and looked away not knowing what to say. Speaking softy she continued, "You and I, we have something in common."

Superman looked back, "Pardon, what would that be?"

"We both pretend to be something we're not. Did you know that I was this close to having a PhD in Physiology?" She held her fingers showing a small space, Superman looked rather shocked as he shook his head growing concerned at just where she seemed to be implying.

"Yeah, two classes and a thesis and I would have had a Doctorate. I just got so tired of no one taking me serious that I stopped even trying. I became, at least on the surface, what they all thought I already was. I minored in journalism, so the gig at the Planet seemed a perfect fit. Cat's Corner dishing the society scene."

"Catherine just where are you going with all of this? What does it have to do with Luthor or what happened yesterday?"

"It has to do with something else just as important that suddenly made sense to me yesterday. Luthor kept telling me you were not available. I remembered feeling the same way that day when I met you on the roof after giving Clark a pie meant for you. I even made a comment in my column stating that you might already be taken. It all made sense yesterday when you smiled at me. A full smile that I don't remember seeing Superman ever make. A smile that reminded me of someone else."

"For months I couldn't figure out why Lois would drop Richard for Clark. I mean I always did think Clark was a catch but she ignored him just like everyone else. So why did she come back from being hidden along with Richard and Clark, by you supposedly, all goo goo eyed over Clark all of a sudden? Do you know there were bets in the office that she would come back and leave Richard for you? I should get Gill to pay up on my bet."

Superman had been so distracted by what Catherine was saying that he didn't even acknowledge Lois entering the room behind him. "Just what are you saying Catherine?"

"Just that I guess it takes one to know one, huh? I finally saw through your disguise. It's funny because I find myself wanting to loose mine at the same time." She smiled at Lois who was now beside Superman listening intently. "I never could understand how you could get all three of those great guys Superman, Richard and then Clark. Now I know there was really only ever two, but still…" She shook her head smiling.

"Cat, I…" Lois started to say something more but stopped.

"Well Lois, it was obvious to me at least, that Clark was crazy about you since the first day he met you. I finally understand why Superman wouldn't so much as give me the time of day even after you married Clark. You won the whole package, the adorable Clark and unattainable Superman in one."

Superman glanced over at Lois then asked, "Catherine, what do you plan to do with this information? You do realize there are children involved that could be put at risk?"

"You don't need to worry about me telling anyone. You of all people deserve to be happy and secure in the life you're making with your family. After all you've done and continue to do for this ungrateful world you at least deserve that." She looked towards the kitchen where Richard and Chloe were waiting. "I suppose Richard knows?"

"Yes Richard and Chloe both know, as does Perry but no one else at the Planet knows and we were trying to keep it that way."

"Does Luthor know? Thinking back now it seems that he did from the way he was carrying on?"

"Yes he's definitely figured it out." Superman answered rather glumly.

"I never realized till yesterday when I thought I might die that I want what you two have. I'm sorry I guess that's why I was always so spiteful to you Lois. I also realize now that I will never get what I want here. In Metropolis I will forever be known as that 'Party Girl'. I think it's time maybe for 'Cat' to grow up and become the woman I need to be to attract my own super man I can be proud of."

"It sounds like you're planning on leaving town." Superman said genuinely concerned.

"Bruce Wayne called me yesterday while I was waiting to be checked out of the hospital offering me a job at Wayne Enterprises as a public relations liaison. He has called me a couple of times since the incident on the roof with that android. He seems very nice. Anyway, I start in two weeks."

Superman looked sideways at Lois then back at Catherine, "Thank you for keeping our secrets. I… we hope you find what you're looking for. You deserve to be happy too. I think you'll like Bruce, he's a friend of mine as well, as you may have known."

"Yes, he actually dropped your name in passing."

"Catherine, if you ever need anything I want you to know you should feel free to contact one of us."

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Luthor paced his lair back and forth talking to himself. He was still fuming almost a full day after the debacle at the 'Met 'O Metropolis'. "Huh, it is impossible to get decent help these days. The imbeciles can't even follow simple instructions. They almost got me captured yesterday. I do not like crawling down ratty old sewers!"

Three men reluctantly entered the old building on the outskirts of town several miles from the old theater and approached Luthor. Luthor looked at the men nearly scowling, "Do you have it?"

"Sir, there is nothing there. I swear that ship is not there."

Luthor pulled his hand out of his pocket holding a small caliber hand gun and shot at the man who had just spoken grazing his forehead. "I suggest you look again or next time I will shoot to kill! I told you 39N 71W it has to be there!"

A second man started, "But Sir..." he stopped as Luthor raised the gun ready to shoot again. "We'll find it." The three hurried out of the building leaving as fast as they could make their way around the many lead barricades.

Luthor sat at an old table pulling out a cigar to help himself calm down so he could concentrate. Where else could he get his hands on Kryptonite if the ship was in fact gone or if the remaining Kryptonite from the meteorite was missing? His plan to use Cat as bait had backfired. He had been too anxious to get back into the game himself playing his first card much too soon. He should have waited till he had the Kryptonite in his hands. How had Clarkie boy figured it out so fast? Yes he had better slow down, make sure he was really ready before making another play. Up the ante at the same time, hit him where it would really draw blood. The boy, he was no doubt dangerous and unpredictable, but the girl, she would be a walk in the park. Wait, was she really just adopted? Why would he adopt someone else's brat when he could father his own superbrats? Maybe she was his as well. Better play it safe. Damn, I need that Kryptonite. I can't make a move without it!

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Coming Soon – Chapter 31 - Outer Space